Hood Industries is rebuilding its plywood plant after 2022 tornado, creating 265 new jobs
Hood Industries announced it is building a new laminated plywood facility in Beaumont a little more than a year after an EF-2 tornado ripped through the town, destroying the plywood manufacturing plant that had operated there for 40 years.
After months of considering all the possible options, Hood Industries made the final decision to reinvest in Beaumont where it all began for the company, Hood Industries President Jay Galloway said in a news release.
“Perry County and Beaumont are both very special to Hood Industries,” he said. “Even after we surveyed the damage of last year’s tornado, we wanted to rebuild where it all started. We are part of this community, and they are part of us.”
Company officials decided to invest more than $200 million to build a new state-of-the-art facility that will create 265 new jobs, they said at a groundbreaking ceremony May 4 in Beaumont.
“The mill has been one of the cornerstones of our company because of the support received from the community of Beaumont, Perry County and surrounding areas and the hard work of our excellent employees," said Warren Hood of Hattiesburg, owner and CEO of Hood Industries. "We are excited to be able to rebuild the facility into one of the most modern plywood plants in North America."
The new manufacturing facility is expected to operate at twice the capacity of the former plywood plant. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
Hood officials are expecting to begin plant operations in early 2025. The 265 new jobs will be filled over the next four years.
Assisting Hood Industries in rebuilding the plant include:
Mississippi Development Authority, which is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements and site development
AccelerateMS, which is providing a Mississippi Works grant to support the training needs of Hood Industries. AccelerateMS also will support the company’s long-term workforce goals and objectives for the Beaumont project.
Perry County and the town of Beaumont also are providing assistance with the project.
Area Development Partnership, the economic development organization for Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties.
“It is a great day for Beaumont and Perry County," said Perry County Board of Supervisors President Richard Lott. "We are very excited that Hood Industries chose Beaumont for the location of their new facility."
Hood Industries manufactures and distributes plywood, lumber and 15 specialty wood products from facilities in Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia.
“Hood has been a staple of our community for decades, and we look forward to many years of growth for both the company and the town," Beaumont Mayor Scott Daily said. "Mr. Hood and his company are the model for hard work, commitment and dedication, and the town is excited to have this plant building back to full operation."
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This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Hood Industries of Hattiesburg rebuilds plywood plant; 265 new jobs
